Sri Sacchidananda Bharati I

Sri Sacchidananda Bharati I (, Devanāgarī: ),was a prominent Hindu saint and religious leader of the 17th century. He was the supreme pontiff of the Hindu mutt Sringeri Sharadha Peetam from 1623 to 1663. He is credited with having protected the integrity of the Peetham and enhanced its greatness.

Early life

Sri Sacchidananda was born Narasimha in the village of Srikanteswarapuram () now known as Kunnuvarankottai Kunnuvarankottai Kasi Visalakshi-Viswanathar temple#Kunnuvarankottai () or Kannapatti () near Batlagundu in the southern part of India. This village was in Madurai District and is presently located in the Dindigul district (from 1985 onwards) of Tamil Nadu.

Pontificate

Sachchidananda Bharati was ordained pontiff of the Sringeri Sharadha Peetam in 1623. When he ascended the pontificial chair, the southern part of India was beset with civil war and turmoil. Sachchidananda Bharati soon acquired mastery over the Vedas and shastras and visited many famous shrines. Initially, he wanted to marry the daughter of his maternal uncle. But the then Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Narasimha Bharati advised him in favor of celibacy and persuaded him to become a sanyasin or Hindu monk.

Sachchidananda Bharathi-I is generally credited by his devotees with having saved Sringeri through his penance and austerities. He was also regarded as a good administrator. He was well regarded and respected by all people of all faiths and all sections of the society.

R.Krishnaswamy Iyer....
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